Stories

On Thursday, May 29, 2025, more than 100 Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai alumni gathered in the Annenberg Building at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City to celebrate, reconnect, and reminisce with classmates and fellow alumni. It was a joyous occasion to relive old memories and forge new ones.

When Ramone Brown first arrived as a student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, he received a journal that included the words “Icahn School of World Changers at Mount Sinai.”

The symbolism was inescapable.

“It’s a powerful statement,” Brown said, “but one that captures the spirit of the institution.”

That spirit resonates strongly for Brown, who is a beneficiary of Mount Sinai’s Enhanced Scholarship Initiative, or ESI, which is aimed at expanding opportunities for students from underprivileged or disadvantaged backgrounds with a demonstrated financial need.

A second-year student and native of Jamaica, Brown was chosen to be the student speaker at the Mount Sinai Student Scholarship Reception at The Mount Sinai Hospital on May 1. Before a group of more than 40 donors, student scholarship recipients, and the Icahn School’s leadership, he articulated how impactful ESI is—and continues to be—for recipients like him.

On Thursday, May 9, 2024, more than 100 Mount Sinai alumni gathered at the Harmonie Club in New York City to celebrate, reconnect, and reminisce with classmates and fellow alumni. It was a joyous occasion to relive old memories and forge new ones. 

This year we celebrated the class years of 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019, and honored the Class of 1974 on the occasion of their 50^th reunion, as well as our Golden Icons from the classes of 1970-1973. Special speakers included: Dr. Alexis Colvin,  Senior Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs; Dr. David C. Thomas, Dean for Medical Education; Dr. Marta Filizola, Dean for the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; and Dr. Dennis S. Charney, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and President for Academic Affairs of the Mount Sinai Health System.

View the event photos (password: Sinai2024) and photo booth snapshots to get a glimpse of the evening, and be sure to update your contact information so that Alumni Relations can stay in touch. 

Thank you to those who were able to join us for the evening. We look forward to welcoming alumni of all years back to celebrate their milestones and reconnect with Icahn Mount Sinai in the future.  

Honor Your Reunion and Pay it Forward

As accomplished professionals, with graduation in the rearview, those following in your footsteps often look to alumni to impart advice. What might you want current students to know about making the most of their time at Icahn Mount Sinai? Take a moment to share your words of wisdom with the incoming Class of 2028 as they begin their educational journey:

Share Your Advice.

In honor of your reunion, please consider making a gift to the Enhanced Scholarship Initiative (ESI), so that Icahn Mount Sinai can attract and train the best students, your future alumni and peers in medicine and science ESI offers substantial need-based scholarship aid and ensures that students graduate with no more than $75,000 in debt.

Support ESI.

On May 10, 2023, Mount Sinai Alumni from near and far convened at the New York Academy of Medicine to celebrate and honor the many achievements of members within the Mount Sinai Alumni Community. This year marked a return to an in-person event, following two years of virtual ceremonies, and offered the opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and mark several milestones.

The Classes of 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973 received special recognition as the first four classes from what was then the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, who collectively commemorated their 50th anniversary. We thank these alumni for the impressions they have left on our institution and the world of science and medicine.

A unique milestone in the history of the School of Medicine, it was noted that the Class of 1972 was the first class to graduate having completed all four years of their education at Mount Sinai.

In 2023, we also noted the 10th anniversary of the Mount Sinai Alumni Association’s affiliation with the St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Alumni Association.

Highlights from the Alumni Awards Dinner & Reunion 

View the Program Book

Watch: Welcome by Dr. Talia Swartz, Mount Sinai Alumni Association President 

Download Event Photos

Learn more about the 50th Milestone Celebrations

Highlights from the Alumni Reunion Symposium 

Listen: Welcome Remarks and Conversation with Dean Dennis S. Charney, MD

Listen: Panel Conversation Healthy Aging: Brain, Body, and Heart, with Drs. Alexis Colvin, Anuradha Lala-Trindade, Rosanne Leipzig, and Jane Martin

Listen: Panel Conversation Then and Now: The Mount Sinai Classes of 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1973, moderated by Dr. David Muller and featuring Drs. Arthur Frank, Katherine Teets Grimm, Steven Heymsfield, and Ernst Schaefer

Download Symposium Photos

More than 50 years ago, Mount Sinai founded a progressive medical school, attracting a cadre of visionary students with a trailblazing mindset. These students helped lay the foundation for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, now regarded as one of the preeminent leaders in science and medicine, enjoying its standing as a global model for innovation in medical education, research, patient care, and community engagement.

When this first group of intrepid scholars walked into the cozy garage in which they were going to spend so many hours together, none of them really knew what to expect.  To their good fortune, they encountered a wonderfully varied group of dedicated, enthusiastic, extraordinary clinicians, scientists, and academicians who, by devoting so much of their creativity and time to furthering medical education, went on to become their mentors, role models, and often friends.

In the clinical years, this group grew to appreciate how medicine is both an art and a science, and that to deliver compassionate and effective healthcare, they had to understand and treat each illness in the context of the whole person, and sometimes their family, and even community. Some followed in the footsteps of their great instructors and researchers, making significant contributions to medical science and education. Others were inspired by their exceptional clinical teachers to deliver the highest standard of patient care.

The year 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of the first four-year class to graduate, and while our 2022 celebrations were constrained due to pandemic protocols, Mount Sinai chose to recognize this historic milestone with a system-wide campaign that culminated in a slate of in-person events in the spring of 2023.  It was an honor to celebrate this pioneering group and the evolution of the Mount Sinai community into the pillar of excellence in science and medicine that it has become!

On November 30, 1965, the first Deans of the new Mount Sinai School of Medicine were installed.  These men were: George James, MD, MPH, Dean of the School of Medicine, as well as the founding chairman of the Department of Community Medicine (today’s Preventive Medicine department); Irving Schwartz, MD, Dean of the Graduate School of Biological Sciences and Chairman of the Department of Physiology; and Hans Popper, MD, PhD, Dean for Academic Affairs, Chairman of Pathology, and a pioneer hepatologist.  At the investiture ceremony held to mark the occasion, many statements and promises were made about the future of the new school.  With hindsight, we can see that many of these not only came true, but remain relevant today.

Gustave L. Levy, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Mount Sinai, noted that it was important that the school would have courses not only in the biomedical sciences, but also in the social sciences and humanities.  This emphasis on the value of the humanities has had an up and down history at Mount Sinai, but it was revived again in 1987 with the creation of the Humanities in Medicine program and today’s expanded FlexMed admission program, as well as the 2012 creation of the Academy for Medicine & the Humanities.  George Baehr, MD also spoke at the event about the value of the social sciences.  He graduated from Mount Sinai’s house staff in 1908 and led the First Medical Service at Mount Sinai for many years.  Baehr led Mount Sinai’s World War I unit and later created HIP for his friend and patient, Mayor LaGuardia.  Dr. Baehr said in his remarks that it was important that medical students be exposed to the humanities and community medicine, because it will “hopefully keep our faculty and students from forgetting that the primary purpose of all this is the care of the sick, the preservation of health, and the amelioration of human suffering.”

Finally, Dr. James outlined standards that have guided Mount Sinai over the last 57 years.  He said Mount Sinai has “four separate responsibilities”:  “We must constantly be humble, we must constantly welcome criticism, be critical of ourselves, and be ready to change.  The second responsibility we have is that of relevance…  We must always remain part of the community.  We must always be alert to the solution of the problems which are current in the community, and in the world… It is essential that this institution remain relevant to the health problems of our era, no matter what they be – and they will change – and no matter what problems are brought to us in the years to come. The third responsibility we have…  is the responsibility for excellence.  We are not privileged to follow in the footsteps of those who went before if we will not accept this challenge for excellence.  There must be no compromise with it, no compromise under any circumstances. One final responsibility that we must assume… is the responsibility of leadership. … The institution has prided itself by being always among the forefront of medical care and research institutions, and those of us associated with it must be prepared to at least try to carry it to new heights.“

In 2014, Deepak Kaji, MD, PhD, ISMMS '22, began his journey at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai with a heartfelt gesture—a stethoscope gifted during his White Coat Ceremony. Like many students, Deepak was excited for the future, and that powerful symbol of a doctor’s commitment to care resonated with him. He emailed David B. Sachar, MD, to express his gratitude for the stethoscope he received in the ceremony, as it was sponsored by Dr. Sachar’s donation. That message would be the first step in what would become a long-standing correspondence between the two doctors.

As time went on, Dr. Kaji’s path took him through a PhD, a medical degree, and eventually into his residency in psychiatry at Mount Sinai. Recently, he was asked about the origins of his stethoscope, prompting Dr. Kaji to reflect on his journey. He decided to reach out to Dr. Sachar once again. “Although as a psych resident I don't use my stethoscope as much as I used to, the symbolism of the gift still remains with me,” he wrote. 

For Dr. Sachar, the exchange was just as meaningful. Receiving that email a decade later reaffirmed the impact of the gift he had made back in 2014. In his response, he shared how proud he was to see how far Dr. Kaji had come. “I predicted in 2014 that you would go on to make us all proud. You have certainly validated the prediction and will surely continue to do so over the years to come!”

The lasting connections formed through the White Coat Ceremony at Icahn Mount Sinai is more than just a tradition—it’s a powerful reminder of the support and encouragement from the alumni community who help shape the next generation of medical professionals at Mount Sinai. 

Support Mount Sinai’s future generations by making a White Coat gift.

Featured Physicians:

David B. Sachar, MD, FACP, MACG, AGAF
Clinical Professor of Medicine
Master Educator, Institute for Medical Education
Director Emeritus, Dr. Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Deepak Kaji, MD, PhD, ISMMS '22
Resident, Department of Psychiatry
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Seated from left: Samuel Márquez, PhD, FAAA; Sally Claridge, PhD, ISMMS '24; Craig L. Katz, MD, MSH '96; Roopa Kohli-Seth, MD, FCCP, FACP, MSH '00; Scott Gottlieb, MD, MSSM '99, MSH '02; George B. Wanna, MD, MHCM, FACS, MSH '08; Ebby Elahi, MD, FACS, MSSM ’96, MSH ’00; Talia H. Swartz, MD, PhD, MSSM '06 '08, MSH '10, '13; Standing from left: Larry Attia, MD, SLR ’93 ’95; Timothy Friedmann, MD, MSH ’23 ’24; Kurian Thomas, MD, SLR '94; Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, Chief Executive Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System; Dennis Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Mark A. Rubin, MD, MSSM '88, MSH '89; Rory M.C. Abrams, MD, MSH '19 '20; Alexis Colvin, MD, MSSM ’02; Mary O'Sullivan, MD, SLR '78; Not pictured: Laura P. Gelfman, MD, MPH, MSSM ‘07 ‘14, MSH ’11; Bachir Taouli, MD, MHA

The Mount Sinai Alumni Awards Ceremony took place on Tuesday, September 17 from 6:00-9:00pm at the New York Academy of Medicine with approximately 200 faculty, staff, and honored guests in attendance. The Alumni Awards celebrate and honor the distinguished service and achievements of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the medical field and to the Mount Sinai community.

Please enjoy the:

• Event Photos
• Digital Program Book

Make a Contribution

Learn more about the Alumni Awards

The Alumni Award Recipients are:

The Mount Sinai Alumni Leadership Award

Sally Claridge, PhD, ISMMS '24

The Mount Sinai Alumni Leadership Award

Timothy Friedmann, MD, MSH ’23 ‘24

St. Luke's-Roosevelt Distinguished Young Physician of the Year

Rory M.C. Abrams, MD, MSH '19 '20

The Jeffrey T. Laitman, PhD Award for Achievement in Medical Education

Samuel Márquez, PhD, FAAA

The Mount Sinai Graduate School Alumni Award

Laura P. Gelfman, MD, MPH, MSSM ‘07 ‘14, MSH ‘11

The Mount Sinai Master Clinician Award 

George B. Wanna, MD, MHCM, FACS, MSH '08

The Mount Sinai Alumni Special Recognition Award

Scott Gottlieb, MD, MSSM '99, MSH '02

The Mount Sinai Alumni Special Recognition Award

Roopa Kohli-Seth, MD, FCCP, FACP, MSH '00

The Terry Ann Krulwich Physician-Scientist Alumni Award

Talia H. Swartz, MD, PhD, MSSM '06 '08, MSH '10, '13

The Dr. Sidney Grossman Distinguished Humanitarian Award

Craig L. Katz, MD, MSH '96

The J. Lester Gabrilove Award

Bachir Taouli, MD, MHA

St. Luke's-Roosevelt Distinguished Alumni Award

Mary O'Sullivan, MD, SLR '78

St. Luke's-Roosevelt Distinguished Alumni Award

Kurian Thomas, MD, SLR '94

The Saul Horowitz, Jr. Memorial Award

Mark A. Rubin, MD, MSSM '88, MSH '89

This year, as the Phillips School of Nursing celebrates its 120th anniversary, one family's enduring legacy of support shines brighter than ever before. The Phillips-Green family has a multigenerational connection to Mount Sinai and its mission of providing health care and education to underserved communities. In the 1880’s, the Lower East Side was home to nearly a quarter of a million Jews and other immigrants living in one square mile. Moses Phillips, along with 39 other immigrants, met to discuss the need for health care for community members who did not meet the residency requirements imposed by local hospitals. At that time, most of the city’s hospitals would not treat patients who had been in the city for less than a year. The 40 immigrants each contributed 25 cents to establish the first Beth Israel Dispensary, which opened on Madison Street in 1890. 

Very quickly, the demand for services grew and the recruitment of nurses became a necessity. In 1902, the Beth Israel School of Nursing was founded, and in 1904 the school was accredited by the New York Board of Regents as an educational institution. At that time, nurses in training also provided service at the hospital.

As the dispensary rapidly outgrew its cramped quarters, Moses’ son, Isaac, led a building committee to raise money for a new hospital building and in 1922, Isaac Phillips laid the cornerstone for a new Beth Israel Hospital at East 16th Street. Isaac’s son Seymour Phillips continued the family’s commitment to both the hospital and the school of nursing and in 1984, the school was named in his honor because it was Seymour who fought to keep the school open in the 1980s when it was in danger of being closed for lack of funding.

Janet’s mother, Carol Green, continued this family tradition of support until her passing at the age of 91. Throughout her lifetime, Carol was instrumental in the school’s growth and success, joining the hospital’s Board of Trustees in 1988. She became a powerful advocate for the Phillips School of Nursing, carrying her father’s torch to ensure its sustainability and prominence over the years. With her brother Lawrence, Carol established a scholarship fund to benefit nursing students. Carol’s commitment was also reflected in her decision to include a meaningful contribution to the school in her estate plans, thereby supporting the school beyond her lifetime. And Carol’s bequest coincides with a milestone moment for the school.

“My mother’s tie to Beth Israel, which is now part of Mount Sinai, was one of family history and heart,” says Janet, now Co-chair of the Board of PSON. Honoring her mother’s memory and their family's bonds to PSON spanning three centuries, Janet recently established a new nursing scholarship. With this gift, she hopes to inspire others to support the Phillips School of Nursing during this special anniversary year.

Learn more about PSON alumni here and Mount Sinai’s wider alumni network here.

Seated from left: Robert S. Rosenson, MD; Kelley Yan, MD, PhD, MSSM '06; Alexis Colvin, MD, MSSM ’02; Larry Attia, MD, SLR '93 '95; Leo M. Keegan, MD, MSSM '86, MSH '94; Ebby Elahi, MD, FACS, MSSM '96, MSH '00; Raymond Z. Sandler, MD, MSH '78; Tonia K. Kim, MD, MSH '03; Standing from left: Janet C. Coleman-Belin, ISMMS MD Candidate '26; Samuel O. Acquah, MD, FCCP; Janet M. Shapiro, MD, SLR ’92; Maureen S. Cafferty, MD, SLR ’82; Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer Mount Sinai Health System, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry; Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, Chief Executive Officer, Professor and Kenneth L. Davis, MD, Distinguished Chair, Mount Sinai Health System; Evren U. Azeloglu, PhD, ISMMS '14; Jarone Lee, MD, MPH, MSSM '07; Christopher Kellner, MD, MSH ’16; Daniel K. Han, MD, MSSM '11, MSH '16; and Natalie Sohn, MD, MSH '24

The 2025 Mount Sinai Alumni Awards Ceremony took place the evening of Monday, October 27, 2025 at the New York Academy of Medicine with approximately 200 faculty, staff, and honored guests in attendance. The Alumni Awards celebrate and honor the distinguished service and achievements of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to medicine, science, and the Mount Sinai community.

Please enjoy the:

• Event Photos
• Digital Program Book 

Learn more about the Alumni Awards

Make a Contribution

The Alumni Award Recipients are:

The Mount Sinai Alumni Leadership Award   
Janet C. Coleman Belin, ISMMS MD Candidate ’26

The Mount Sinai Alumni Leadership Award   
Natalie Sohn, MD, MSH ’24

St. Luke's-Roosevelt Distinguished Young Physician of the Year       
Christopher Kellner, MD, MSH ’16

The Jeffrey T. Laitman, PhD Award for Achievement in Medical Education
Tonia K. Kim, MD, MSH ’03

The Mount Sinai Graduate School Alumni Award      
Evren U. Azeloglu, PhD, ISMMS ’14

The Mount Sinai Master Clinician Award       
Samuel O. Acquah, MD, FCCP

The Mount Sinai Alumni Special Recognition Award
Raymond Z. Sandler, MD, MSH ’78

The Terry Ann Krulwich Physician-Scientist Alumni Award   
Kelley Yan, MD, PhD, MSSM ’06

The Dr. Sidney Grossman Distinguished Humanitarian Award          
Jarone Lee, MD, MPH, MSSM ’07

The J. Lester Gabrilove Award            
Robert S. Rosenson, MD

St. Luke's-Roosevelt Distinguished Alumni Award     
Maureen S. Cafferty, MD, SLR ’82

St. Luke's-Roosevelt Distinguished Alumni Award     
Janet M. Shapiro, MD, SLR ’92

The Saul Horowitz, Jr. Memorial Award         
Daniel K. Han, MD, MSSM ’11, MSH ’16